Shenandoah University Aspirational Village – Caruthers House + Roni’s Roost

In just 14 months, ESa provided master planning, programming, architectural design, interior design and construction contract administration for Caruthers House—the first of five houses that will form the Aspirational Village at Shenandoah University. The completion of Roni’s Roost, the next phase of this housing development, followed six months later. Requiring certain academic standards and commitments to community service from the student residents, the University sought to provide housing that upperclassmen could “aspire” to as part of a larger plan to improve upperclassman retention levels.

This three-story structure, designed to reflect the Southern style of architecture for which Virginia is known, includes six apartment-style housing units of four single-occupancy bedrooms each. The house includes large verandas, screened porches, high ceilings, cathedral ceilings on the top floor, an abundance of windows and a wide monumental stair. When all five houses are complete, a central courtyard will provide outdoor space for a fire pit, volleyball court and ample spaces to socialize.

Aspirational Village seeks to provide individual privacy, but also encourage community engagement among residents. The large entry stair, wide porches and multiple entries into each unit provide ample opportunities for student interaction in key social spaces, helping to keep students connected with the larger campus community.